19 incredible European road trips to add to your bucket list
Road trips may be an American tradition, but
Europe has some spectacular drives too. From Germany to France and beyond,
Europe has several incredible options for those looking for a great road trip.
1. Autobahn – Germany
The Autobahn is Germany’s famed
highway system where there are no speed limits in non-urban regions. It gives
drivers the option to really put the pedal to the metal while traveling the
beautiful German countryside.
2. Route 500 – Germany
This beautiful drive cuts through the midst of the Black Forest,
and offers drivers incredible views along with a smooth journey through the
mountains. One thing to know is that Route 500 can get busy, as it is a major
road for the region, so plan to make your drive early!
3. Ring of Kerry - Ireland
The Irish countryside is noted to be one of the most beautiful
in all of Europe, and Ring of Kerry is the best way to drive throughout all
that the country has to offer! This 200km loop takes you through the mountains,
to the beaches, lakes, and rivers of the Emerald Isle.
4. Amalfi Coast – Italy
South Italy is one of the best vacation destinations in all of
Europe, and driving the Amalfi Coast will take any driver back in time, with
the beautiful architecture of Italy on full display! From town to town, taking
the tour of the Amalfi Coast leads travelers from one incredible destination to
another.
5. Les Corniches – France
A set of 3 different drives at 3 different altitudes with 3
different scenic tours of the region, Les Corniches give drivers multiple
options to see all that the beautiful French countryside
has to offer. Be sure to spend time in Monaco, as all of Les Corniches drives
take you to the amazing city.
6. Trollstigen – Norway
This beautiful mountain pass road is known as the Troll Route, and
is famous for being one of the most scenic drives in Europe. From mountains to
waterfalls, drivers will be able to experience the beauty of Norway while traveling from Åndalsnes and Valldalen in the heart of
the country.
7. La Route des Grandes Alpes – France
The route of the High Alps, this drive takes you throughout the
mountains of France. Built solely for tourists that wanted to travel a scenic
route through the region, La Route des Grandes Alpes takes drivers through 4
national parks and 16 mountain passes. Make sure to enjoy the incredibly
beautiful Geneva Lake, a stop on this scenic drive.
8. Klausen Pass – Switzerland
An Alpine drive that winds its way through the fabled Swiss
mountains, Klausen Pass takes drivers through a long and winding journey of
beautiful scenery. And every 4-5 years the Klausenrunnen takes place, a wild
car race that travels Klausen Pass. If you are in the area be sure to take in
this incredible event!
9. Estoril Coast Drive – Portugal
This beautiful drive takes travelers along the amazing and
underrated coastline of Portugal, from
Lisbon inwards to Sintra. You have to make a stop at the National Palace in
Sintra, as the incredible architecture and history are some of the most amazing
in all of Europe.
10. Route Napoleon – France
Following the route taken by Napoleon Bonaparte when he traveled
from Elba to Grenoble, Route Napoleon runs
through the French Alps. Scenic views abound, as this famed road allows drivers
to take a step back in time in rural France.
11. Romance Road – Germany
This road that cuts through the heart of Germany offers a look
at the countryside in medieval times, with architecture and art dating back
hundreds of years. Make sure to visit during the annual Oktoberfest
celebration, as there will be much to see and do!
12. Great Dolomite Road – Italy
A drive through northern Italy on the Great Dolomite Road takes
travelers into a different side of Italy, far from the trendy cities and
tourist traps. Many of the rural villages along the way have incredible food to
offer, so be sure to make a stop and enjoy the culinary delights!
13. Furka Pass – Switzerland
This winding pass through the Alps is world famous, and drivers
can test their nerves and their vehicles as one hairpin curve leads to another,
to another, and to another. Even though incredible beautiful, this road is also
incredibly dangerous, especially when wet by rain or snow, and at night.
14. Atlantic Road – Norway
Running a little over 8 km, this amazing architectural marvel of
a road may be the most incredible road in all of
Europe. Going over water via multiple islands, the Atlantic Road is
unique and amazing.
15. Stelvio Pass – Italy
Located high in the Eastern Alps, this beautiful and dangerous
drive is routinely on the top lists of great driving roads in Europe. Featuring
amazing mountain vistas and tight curves that will test any driver’s skill, it
may be the best drive for auto enthusiasts in the country, if not in all of
Europe.
16. Col de Turini – France
Famous as the site of both the Tour de France as well as the
Monte Carlo Rally, this road is full of incredible hairpin turns and curvy
roadways that will have any driver feeling like a professional. This is another
road that is incredible dangerous come nightfall, be sure to be off the road
while the sun is still shining.
17. DN7C – Romania
This meandering road travels throughout the Carpathians, and is
routinely ranked amongst the world’s best drives. From Transylvania to
Wallachia, the road also known as the Transfăgărășan is filled with gorgeous
architecture from a time long passed.
18. A3055 – England
Located on the beautiful Isle of Wight, A3055 runs from Chale to
Freshwater Bay. Also known as the Military Road, the drive captures the
incredible coastline in its entire splendor.
19. A1 – England
This road takes drivers through gorgeous English countryside and
also rewards them with a view of the giant sculpture known as The Angel of the North,
created by Antony Gormley, in Gateshead.
